2014 Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) Scheme Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme April 2014
Where has CEnvP come from? The Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme is an initiative of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). It was developed over a 2 year period (2003-04). The reason for the initiative can clearly be seen in the purpose of the EIANZ: facilitate interaction among environmental professionals; promote environmental knowledge and awareness; and advance ethical and competent environmental practice. 2
Why was it implemented? The environment profession was maturing (although it is still a young profession) and becoming increasingly specialised Community was demanding a greater environmental accountability from industry and government Professional indemnity insurance was becoming more expensive and harder to get for environmental professionals Some incompetent and unethical behaviour was undermining the credibility of the profession 3
Where are we today? CEnvP initiative established under an EIANZ by-law in 2004 Strong governance arrangements in place (Board, Appeal process, budget, insurances) Certification Board, Assessment Panels & Registrar established for first applicants in late 2004 There are currently 529 CEnvPs*, including 12 Environmental Impact Assessment Specialists, and 10 Ecology Specialists Next application intake closes 5 September 2014 * Source: CEnvP as at 3 April 2014 4
The increasing number of CEnvPs 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: CEnvP 3 Apr 2014 Cu r r e n t CEn v Ps New Certifications Projected Certifications 5
Current CEnvPs by Location 250 200 150 100 50 0 By Industry Sector Count % Environmental Consultancies 359 80 Govt Bodies 28 6 Engineering &Construction 26 6 Water, Energy Companies 21 5 Mining 6 1 Transport 4 1 Food &Beverage 3 0.7 Oil &Gas 1 0.2 Educational Institutions 1 0.2 Law &Regulatory 1 0.2 Current CEnvP Applying Source: CEnvP 3 Apr 2014 6
Certification Requirements I A relevant environment-related degree. Five years of full time experience in the functional areas of environmental practice during the last 10 years. Statement of ethical conduct Nomination by three respected environmental professionals who are willing to act as referees for the candidate. Evidence in the form of referee statements (at least two), publications, citations, curriculum vitae, reports etc that the candidate is a respected, competent, ethical and active member of the profession. 7
Certification Requirements II Ongoing commitment to training and professional improvement (in the order of 100 points* of training, professional improvement, service to professional practice over a two year period). A signed (and witnessed) statement of claim covering qualifications, experience, ethics, commitment and the accuracy of materials provided to the Certification Board. An interview with an Assessment Panel is an essential part of the application process. 8 *Download the CPD Log and Guidance notes from the CEnvP website for more details
Certification Review and CPD Certification will be reviewed on a two yearly basis. At this time the applicant will need to provide evidence of Continued Professional Development and a statement verifying any changed circumstances including employment and ethical conduct. 9
EIANZ Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct Compliance with this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is central to sound environmental practice and the credibility of the profession, and is required for persons who are members of the EIANZ and also for Certified Environmental Practitioners. 10 http://www.eianz.org/aboutus/eianz-code-of-ethics
Certification Categories General Certification A relevant environment-related degree. Five years of full time experience in the functional areas of environmental practice during the last 10 years. Statement of ethical conduct Nomination by three respected environmental professionals who are willing to act as referees. Evidence in the form of referee statements (at least two), publications, citations, curriculum vitae, reports etc that the candidate is a respected, competent, ethical and active member of the profession. Ongoing commitment to training and professional improvement (in the order of 100 points* of training, professional improvement, service to professional practice over a two year period). A signed (and witnessed) statement of claim covering qualifications, experience, ethics, commitment and the accuracy of materials provided to the Certification Board. An interview with an Assessment Panel is an essential part of the application process. Impact Assessment Specialist A relevant environment-related degree. Ten years of full time experience in the functional areas of environmental practice during the last 15 years, 5 must be EIA specific. Statement of ethical conduct Nomination by three respected EIA professionals who are willing to act as referees. Evidence in the form of referee statements (at least two), publications, citations, curriculum vitae, reports etc that the candidate is a respected, competent, ethical and active member of the profession. Ongoing commitment to training and professional improvement (in the order of 100 points* of training, professional improvement, service to professional practice over a two year period). A signed (and witnessed) statement of claim covering qualifications, experience, ethics, commitment and the accuracy of materials provided to the Certification Board. An interview with an Assessment Panel is an essential part of the application process. A list of documents to demonstrate the required competencies of Impact Assessment practice. These documents must cover a minimum period of 3 years active IA practice Ecology Specialist A relevant environment-related degree. Ten years of full time Ecology experience. Statement of ethical conduct Nomination by three respected ecology professionals who are willing to act as referees. Evidence in the form of referee statements (at least two), publications, citations, curriculum vitae, reports etc that the candidate is a respected, competent, ethical and active member of the profession. Ongoing commitment to training and professional improvement (in the order of 100 points* of training, professional improvement, service to professional practice over a two year period). A signed (and witnessed) statement of claim covering qualifications, experience, ethics, commitment and the accuracy of materials provided to the Certification Board. An interview with an Assessment Panel is an essential part of the application process. A brief personal testimony describing how you have achieved the six key proficiencies for practicing ecologists (see over for list) A list of published Ecology citations 11
Expanding the Specialist Categories The CEnvP Board is expanding the range of specialist categories later this year; including Contaminated Land Climate Change and more will follow 12
Certification Costs CEnvP Applications Application Fee Annual Renewal Fee Ordinary Applicant A$ 390 A$ 300 EIANZ Member Applicant A$ 260 A$ 205 EIANZ Fellow Applicant A$ 125 A$ 125 Specialist Applications Application Fee $130 Annual Renewal Fee $95 Ordinary Applicant A$ 520 A$ 395 EIANZ Member Applicant A$ 390 A$ 300 EIANZ Fellow Applicant A$ 255 A$ 220 Fees correct as at Apr 2014 13
Application Process I Applications submitted to the Certification Registrar Applications assessed by the Certification Registrar (for completeness and preliminary checks). Applicants advised of receipt and if any further information is required. Applications sent to appropriate Assessment Panel and to the Certification Board. Assessment Panel assesses application and convenes assessment interview. Makes recommendation to the Certification Board. 14
Application Process II Panel recommendation accepted or rejected by the Certification Board. The Board (through the Certification Registrar) notifies the applicant as to whether their application has been accepted or otherwise. If successful and on payment of certification fee, Certificate and Registration Card will be sent to the applicant, and the applicant s name will be added to the publicly-available register of CEnvP professionals If an application is rejected, the applicant can lodge an appeal to the CEnvP Certification Board. 15
Application Advice Take seriously, the process is rigorous. Make sure you have the requisite experience and qualifications you need to be able to provide evidence to the Assessment Panel. Contact the Registrar if you are not certain. Seek referees that are your peers. Seek at least one referee that works for a different company to your current employer. Submit a typed application with no missing or incomplete materials. Review the checklist given in the Guidance Notes before submission. Include a detailed CV, CPD Log (Continued Professional Development) and any other supporting documents. Ensure you post Part H: Statement of Claim of the application form, and certified copies of your Qualifications to the CEnvP office. Everything outside of these 2-3 pages can be submitted via email. 16
Interview Advice Bring any outstanding documentation requested by the Registrar to the Interview. Take the requirement for Continuing Professional Development seriously and bring materials demonstrating your commitment. Bring any additional references, reports, certificates or other materials supporting your Application. 17
Further Information Application Forms, Guidance Notes and Further information can be obtained by visiting our website at www.cenvp.org Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme Suite 16, 79 High Street, Kew VIC 3101 Australia: 03 9001 6948 New Zealand: 03 741 3102 info@cenvp.org 18
The CEnvP Website 19
CEnvP Application Forms & Materials 20
CEnvP Newsletter and CPD Event Calendar 21
22 CPD Category CPD Activity No. 1 Formal education and training, including distance education, where there is a formal assessment Certification Review and CPD Typical Evidence Certificates of attendance or attainment; Certificates / degrees / diplomas awarded from formal assessment Points Limit of points per that can be hour credited 2 No limit 2 Short courses, including in-house training Certificates of attendance or attainment 2 No limit 3 Attending Conferences, meetings, seminars, including Professional Environmental Practice Attendance records, receipts of payments made to 1 No limit (PEP) talks attend a seminar or conference 4 Service activities to EIANZ committees, Board, CEnvP Panels, and service activities to the Minutes of meetings, attendance records 1 40 per 2 year environment profession by non-eianz members, or within other environmental-related professional associations such as CASANZ, SSEE, AWA where the activity is predominantly environment-profession related including committees etc, with a maximum of 40 points allowed per 2 year period. period 5 Presentations to conferences/seminars where there is a contribution to the environment profession. For a presentation where the paper is not published in a refereed journal, 10 points per hour of presentation has been allocated to allow for preparation of the presentation, and its delivery, with a minimum of not less than 5 points per presentation 6 Publication of technical or research papers: In a refereed journal, allow 30 points per paper; In the case of presenting the paper as a technical or research paper to a conference, allow 20 points per paper rather than the 10 points per hour of duration of the presentation as in category 5 above 7 Part-time or guest lecturer to environmental courses at academic institutes (Points are per hour of actual face-to-face presentation and allows for time of preparation of the lecture material), and a minimum of not less than 5 points per presentation. Acceptance letter/email from Conference Organiser; Handout notes; conference brochures which name the person and the paper etc The actual publication in which the paper appears; acceptance letter from an editor, conference organiser Academic institute records, course notes presented, receipts of payments made as a lecturer 8 EIANZ Mentoring program, up to a maximum of 40 points allowed per 2 year period Diary records, statement from recipient of mentoring, records from local Mentor organiser 9 Private study of journals, texts etc (informal learning activities), up to a maximum of 20 points per 2 year period 10 Pro bono activities, including involvement with local community environmental committees, eg at Local Council level 10 No limit, but a minimum 5 per time NA No limit 5 40 per 2 year period, with a minimum of 5 per time 1.5 40 per 2 year period Diary records, personal declaration 0.5 20 per 2 year period Records of the organisation with which the involvement 1 No limit takes place; diary entries 11 Academia involvement in industry Diary entries; Time sheets or similar attendance records; academic institute records 1 No limit
To become a CEnvP (Ecology Specialist) I Must cover the requirements of CEnvP, plus 10 years of professional experience in ecology practice The 2 signed Referee Reports must be from Ecology professionals The commitment to a minimum of 100 points of continued professional development (CPD) in each two year period following certification must be 50% directly related to Ecology A brief personal testimony describing how you have achieved the six key proficiencies for practicing ecologists (see over for list) A list of published Ecology citations View the Guidance Notes for further details, in particular the last page showing the Application Checklist - Column B 23
Six Key Proficiencies for Practicing Ecologists Analyse data, assess its reliability and accuracy, interpret and present. Plan, implement, evaluate and improve systems, policies and procedures. Understand, assess conformance to and design regulatory frameworks, accountabilities and standards for policies and activities Understand environmental values, current principles and frameworks Plan and engage in continuous learning. Use appropriate information technology and techniques Identify impact sources, use appropriate environmental tools/techniques/methods, and compile relevant information. View the Guidance Notes for further details 24
To become a CEnvP (IA Specialist) Must cover the requirements of CEnvP, plus CV must cover at least 10 years, of which 5 years must be directly related to Impact Assessment practice The 2 signed Referee Reports must be from Impact Assessment professionals The commitment to a minimum of 100 points of continued professional development (CPD) in each two year period following certification 50% must be directly related to Impact Assessment A list of documents to demonstrate the required competencies of Impact Assessment practice. These documents must cover a minimum period of 3 years active IA practice View the Guidance Notes for further details, in particular the last page showing the Application Checklist - Column B 25
Benefits for the Profession I For the Environmental practitioner, CEnvP certification can: Provide formal, Australia and New Zealand wide recognition of one s competence to perform environmental work. Facilitate easier access to interesting and challenging career opportunities. Improve one s ability to relocate. Encourage ongoing upgrading of skills. Provide career opportunities which may lead to promotions and higher wages. Provide easier access to professional indemnity insurance. Provide credibility and accountability in the profession. 26
Benefits for the Profession II Certification can demonstrate to employers, clients and professional associates that environmental skills and knowledge meet national standards. Certification can provide a basis for international comparability and reciprocal recognition, facilitating the mobility of environmental professionals. 27
Benefits - Employers For Employers, CEnvP certification can: Provide an easier means of evaluating the competence of an employee or prospective employee. Decrease costs associated with the employee selection process. Provide greater assurance that competent employees are hired. Demonstrate a commitment to responsible environmental management. Improve access to capital and insurance. Reduce incidents that result in environmental liability. Assist in providing a due diligence defense. 28
Benefits - Environment Industry For the Environment Industry, CEnvP certification can: Assist in improving the image of the industry. Increase public awareness of and trust in the environmental profession. Assist in ensuring that Australia and New Zealand maintains a competent environmental work force. Assist in the harmonisation of State and national standards Assist in promoting the export of professional practice in the environmental sector 29
Application Form and Guidance Notes Visit www.cenvp.org/apply Guidance Notes for Impact Assessment Specialist Applications Application Form Guidance Notes for Standard Applications Guidance Notes for Ecology Specialist Applications 30
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Guidance Notes and Application Checklist 38
FAQs 39
CEnvP Register A searchable directory of CEnvPs is available on the CEnvP website, which reflects the currency and scope of the CEnvP professional s registration. By being in the public domain it provides additional assurance that anyone who states that they are a CEnvP professional really is one. All CEnvPs can have a profile in the directory, with more indepth information about their qualifications and experience. For added exposure, these are featured on the CEnvP homepage and newsletter. 40
CEnvP Directory 41
Is CEnvP and EIANZ a Closed Shop? It is not necessary to be a member of EIANZ to be a CEnvP. The Scheme is open to all environmental professionals who can meet the requisite competency criteria of training, experience, professional conduct and ethical behaviour. 42
Alleged Malpractice / Misconduct The Scheme includes a mechanism for third party complaints against a CEnvP, and this will be treated in the strictest confidence. The CEnvP Certification Board will determine the matter and if it is established that the complaint is justified and is not frivolous, malicious or mischievous then the CEnvP person may be struck off the Register. In that event, the practitioner may exercise a right of appeal to an Appeals Committee. 43
Other Initiatives Specialist Certification for environmental professionals in particular fields of practice, with a requirement for additional years of experience and demonstrated expertise, based on criteria developed by EIANZ Special Interest Sectors (SISs). Impact Assessment and Ecology have already been released. More planned EIANZ STEPS Program (Staged Training for Environmental Practitioners) to provide professional development and training, to guide and help early-career professionals develop the proficiencies required for environmental practice and certification 44